Staff Predictions: Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan

The Central Michigan Life football reporters weigh in on their expectations for the week-ten matchup between the Central Michigan Chippewas (3-5) and the Western Michigan Broncos (3-6) Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

Ryan Zuke (4-4)

After getting blown out against its biggest rival last season, I think CMU will respond in a big way Saturday at home. WMU quarterback Tyler Van Tubbergen has thrown 10 interceptions this season, and I can see the defense creating a couple of turnovers. The CMU offensive line should be able to contain a solid WMU pass rush and give quarterback Ryan Radcliff some time. It is also Radcliff’s third start against the Broncos, and I expect to see him have a big day. Prediction: CMU 35, WMU 24

Matt Thompson (5-3)

Head coach Dan Enos said throw the records out the window for this game, but the teams' records and season have been very similar. While WMU backup Tyler Van Tubbergen has done solid filling in for the injured Alex Carder, he has thrown 10 interceptions. I think this game will have a lot of turnovers and momentum swings, but the CMU new-found run game will win it in the fourth quarter. Prediction: CMU 36, WMU 31

Brandon Champion (6-2)

Last season, Western Michigan dominated Central Michigan from start to finish. Quarterback Alex Carder and wide receiver Jordan White both had monster games in the Broncos 44-14 win at Waldo Stadium. Fortunately for CMU, neither will be in uniform on Saturday. It will be important for CMU to run the ball with Zurlon Tipton against the Mid-American Conference’s second-ranked defense. I expect a close game, but, in the end, I think the home crowd will help the Chippewas win their sixth game in the last seven meetings against the rival Broncos. Prediction: CMU 28, WMU 21

Justin Hicks (6-2)

Western Michigan brings a top-five offense and defense into Kelly/Shorts Stadium, hoping to maintain the Cannon Trophy. We have seen two different CMU teams show up this season, and it's going to take the most recent one to top the rival Broncos. After picking off the top passer in the league twice last week, the CMU defensive backs will have an opportunity to make another quarterback look bad in junior Tyler Van Tubbergen, and they will. The Chippewas will put together their first winning streak of the season. Prediction: CMU 34, WMU 28